Nola Roberts Johnson Obituary (1924

Nola Roberts Johnson, born in Brigham City, Utah, January 11, 1924, peacefully passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in Elkridge, Utah. Born the youngest of six children to John Taylor and Ada Sybil Cook Roberts, she claimed that she was totally spoiled by her parents and older siblings. Nola (Mickey to many of her family members) often said that she had the most wonderful daddy, momma, and siblings ever. Her dearest friends in her adolescent years included Boyd Packer, Denzel White, and Malcolm Jessop – a fine circle of influence to this wonderful young lady. With a talent for singing and a penchant to enjoy the company of others, she readily won friends and admirers. During World War II, Nola and her parents moved to Southern California (Downey) for her parents' health where she was employed at various jobs. Living in Downey, she found the “pickin's” of eligible young LDS men to be rather slim. That is why when friends of hers invited her to participate in a blind date with a non-LDS Los Angeles boy, she was initially reluctant, but ultimately she agreed. When he came to pick her up, it was love at first sight at least for the wavy-haired, red-headed young Richard Johnson, an Army Air Corps veteran who had served under MacArthur's command from New Caledonia to the Philippines. Nola found this young man to be fun, handsome, and he didn't drink or smoke. She found herself falling in love. After dating intensely for a while, they agreed to be married and tied the knot at an LDS stake center in Downey on October 18, 1947. Nola and Rich had two children, Randell Roberts Johnson and Marilyn Kay Johnson (Knudsen) and raised their little family in Monterey Park. She was the heart of the family, establishing many holiday traditions involving immediate and extended family. Also, it was her devotion to and activity in the church as well as numerous friends in their ward which contributed to Rich's eventual conversion. He joined the church in 1961. In 1967, they were sealed for all time and eternity in the Los Angeles Temple. Together they served LDS member locator and family history missions. Nola held several ward and stake auxiliary leadership positions. To those who knew her, Nola was a loving, kind, fun-loving person with a compassionate eye for the needs of others. She was the heart of the home and was intensely loyal to her husband and children. As far as others were concerned, to Nola they were “sweetheart”, “honey”, “dolly”, and “darling”. This is due in large measure to the fact that she loved others (and had a hard time remembering names). Many hold her in high esteem for services rendered and kind words spoken. Nola was preceded in death by her “sweet husband”, Rich, and a niece and great-grandson. She is survived by Randell and Marilyn, ten grandchildren, and over 25 great-grandchildren as well as friends and extended family members who revere her and call her name blessed. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the Springville Hobble Creek Stake Center, 495 South Canyon Road, Springville, Utah. Friends may call from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, East Lawn Memorial Hills, Provo, Utah. Condolences can be sent to www.bergmortuary.com.